Visitor Services – Gardens & Ground

Overview: The Nature Place (TNP) is a nature-focused community center open to the public, located in beautiful Myrick Park in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Our mission is to inspire and cultivate meaningful connections between people and nature, for the benefit of both. We offer nature education programs and community events for all ages and our unique space is available to visit during open hours or to rent for special events and meetings. The Nature Place is your space, year-round, rain or shine.

The primary role of this position is commitment to successful daily operation of The Nature Place (TNP) with a large emphasis on caring for the gardens and grounds and engaging the community in land stewardship. Gain hands-on knowledge and experience working with plants and insects native to this area. Assist in developing and increasing our reach in terms of community engagement and provide a long-lasting sense of appreciation and stewardship for the land.

Responsibilities:

• On-site Visitor Experience
  • Welcome visitors. Engage them to meet their needs, interests or curiosity about TNP and advance our Mission
  • Promote program participation, visitor services, and volunteerism to visitors. Connect visitors to other staff members when appropriate
  • Assist with visitor experience projects related to signage, layouts, exhibits, and displays
  • Purchase supplies and equipment / follow general budgetary procedures
  • Assist the Visitor Services team with proper critter care and handling of live education animals and facilitate public interaction/education
  • Assist the Visitor Services team with opening/closing TNP on a scheduled basis
  • Ensure TNP policies and safety procedures are followed

• Gardens & Grounds
  • Oversee the maintenance and care of the gardens and grounds, including 5 acres of park space, 7 native gardens, and demonstration produce garden
  • Train under the mentorship of the Master Gardeners & Master Naturalist to support their work in the 7 native gardens (in addition to the direct supervisor for this position)
  • Work independently to complete daily tasks, which include: transplanting, weeding, trimming tall plants, watering, etc.
  • Design displays for the native gardens kiosk
  • Assist in developing/implementing seasonal plans

• Volunteer Program
  • Develop volunteer opportunities and facilitate existing opportunities in the gardens
  • Research current trends in best practices and the benefits of connecting youth, families, and adults to nature and to their community
  • Coordinate and train unpaid, non-AmeriCorps volunteers
  • Make sure appropriate records of volunteer hours are kept

• Marketing
  • Assist in designing and creating publicity for TNP gardens and land stewardship volunteer opportunities
  • Assist in distribution of publicity for upcoming events, programs, and volunteer opportunities
  • Assist with website and social media to promote visitor services, programs, and events
  • Develop and write 4-5 blog posts throughout service term (does not apply to 450 hour positions)

Qualifications:

• Willingness to learn various conservation practices or land management techniques
• Experience or interest in working with the public and/or volunteers
• Excellent customer service and professional demeanor
• Passionate about environmental causes and being a part of the community surrounding environmental service
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 lbs
• Ability to use garden tools (ie. Wheelbarrow, shovel, trowel, pruning shears, etc.)
• Ability to work primarily on your feet/standing/crouching
• Willing to learn and implement strategies for diversity, equity and inclusion
• At least 18 years of age

• • Comfortable with learning how to care for and handle live education animals including amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, birds and invertebrates, a plus
  • Dependable; able to fulfill commitment to term of service
  • Willing and able to follow and implement The Nature Place’s policies and procedures
  • NSOPW, FBI, and State(s) Criminal History Checks will be conducted and position is contingent upon a review of those results. The member will have the opportunity to review any results. This position will have recurring access to vulnerable populations. We encourage this not to deter anyone from applying and to ask questions to better understand what this means.